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What
is Slow living?
Contrary
to the way it may sound, Slow living does not always mean that
things have to happen slowly – actually what is meant to
happen fast should happen fast. Rather, Slow living is a way of
being: calm, patient, reflective instead of controlling and aggressive.
It’s about quality over quantity, and having the time to
make significant connections with other people. It does not mean
that progress and improvement should be resisted. Slow living
is about combining the best of the past with the useful innovations
of the present. So embrace modern solutions, but if it ain’t
broke, don’t fix it.
But we are bombarded by messages that tell us to up our speed,
and we feel pressured when we take some time out. The result is
mounting stress, and that’s not good. “For fast-acting
relief from stress, try slowing down” said Lily Tomlin.
In our world, fast is usually mistaken for better, which is not
necessarily true, but what can you do about it? Try to remain
slow inside by keeping an inner calm. Take time to think and reflect,
and ask yourself: is fast better in this case? Because living
better in a fast-paced world means not having to be fast when
you don’t need to be. It’s about balance – a
balance between quick action and slow action according to its
need. Ultimately, you want to regain control of the rhythms of
your own life. Being Slow means never feeling rushed, never striving
to save time purely for the sake of it.
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Some
Guidelines for Slow Living
Simplify.
Our lives are full of clutter. Avoid it where you can, and
where you have it, clear it out. Clear that unruly desk,
or that wardrobe with its unused clothes. Thoreau: “Our
lives are frittered away by detail. Simplify. Simplify.”
Eat Slowly.
Not only physically – though slow eaters digest their
food better – but also philosophically. This means
making time for meals, buying seasonal foods and buying
local produce. Support good farming practises.
Avoid Greed.
“Greed is good” was only a line to a bad eighties
movie. Greed is actually waste, and it clutters your life.
Make Time for Sleep.
Fatigue and stress aren’t much fun, and can have deadly
consequences. Sleep is the antidote; sleep keeps you awake
when you need to be.
Live Now.
Don’t wait for That Day, when you have this or that,
the day “It” will happen. And don’t hoard
for that special occasion. The Queen is unlikely to visit.
Take Time for Friends
and Family.
Firstly, the “all work and no play” rule is
never going to change. Playing is also part of being human.
And even when your family drive you mad, you are learning
something if you stop and look.
Some
Slowing-down Exercises
Cook a meal from scratch
Go for a walk instead of heading to the mall
Read a book or call a friend instead of watching TV
If you are watching TV, don’t read the paper at the
same time
Leave your work at work
Don’t drive when you can walk
Stare at a view until you begin to look
Sit with some friends and enjoy a bottle of Slowine! |
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